Origin of the gossamer ferromagnetism in MnTe

TL;DR

This paper uncovers the microscopic mechanisms behind MnTe's unique altermagnetic properties, explaining how it exhibits no stray fields yet remains controllable by external magnetic fields, advancing spintronics applications.

Contribution

It reveals the combined microscopic mechanisms responsible for MnTe's altermagnetism and controllability, providing insights for designing similar materials.

Findings

MnTe has no measurable stray fields

MnTe's magnetism is controllable by external fields

Microscopic mechanisms enable altermagnetism in MnTe

Abstract

Absence of net magnetization in altermagnetis is both a blessing (no stray fields) and a curse (no obvious way to manipulate altermagnetic domains by external fields). Yet, MnTe was demonstrated experimentally to have no measurable stray fields and yet controllable by external magnetic filed - a win-win situation. In this paper we unravel the microscopic mechanism of this property. It appear to emerge from concerted action of three different mechanisms. Microscopic understanding of the beneficial properties of MnTe opens a road to controllable design of similar altermagnets for spintronics applications.